felixx wrote:I'm trying to give my kids adventures. As they grow they will get more adventurous. My goal is by 10 they can catch a fish or trap / shoot something and cook it over the fire they lit. Then I know I have taught them something.

Excellent. You are to be commended.

I spent most all of 1982 in NZ as an exchange student, Form 6. Lived with a host family in Blockhouse Bay and went to St. Peter's in Auckland. During the holidays we traveled at various times, usually staying with friends, family and acquaintances of my host family. On one trip we went north to Cape Reinga (northern most tip), driving on 90 Mile Beach and staying over night at a remote girl's boarding school (mum was a teacher, friend of family worked there; big room with small beds in rows head to toe; the beds had thin mattresses over metal mail like mesh suspended box springs that were so worn and stretched that they were more like a hammock... one of the least comfortable night's sleep ever, but if i had been a bit smaller would have probably been quite cozy).

On another trip my younger host brother and I got a 2 week rail/bus/ferry pass and traveled south. We stayed with a couple in Rotorua that my host dad had met at a family wedding. Saw the hot springs, the kiwi, trout, redwood and sheep herding demonstration "touristy trap" place (most impressed by the herding). This guy worked for the forest service and took us out jack lighting for rabbit. I got one and we had stew for dinner. He was a parachutist, had a round chute made in Danbury, CT (small world) and took me for a ride in a doorless Cessna 172 (whole 'nuther story that has been told).

From there we went to Wellington for a few days and stayed with an aunt and uncle. She had hot chili's growing on the trellis of their back porch and made a mean stew with them. They warned me that she would feed me, and she did: "Are you sure that's enough mashed potatoes?" as she walked around the other side of me and flopped another scoop onto my plate. Typical Flo and Andy Capp couple; she kept house and worked, while he was retired and popped round the pub. Did the cable car and enjoyed the views.

From there we took the ferry and train to Christchurch to visit a school friend of my brother. Lovely views along the coast.

Then on to another aunt in Invercargill and the southern most tip of the south island.

On another outing we went to a marae for a hangi and overnight stay. Smokey pork goodness. Rhubarb chutney on shredded wheat for breakfast, yum.

Thanks for letting me share some really fond memories; one of the most memory filled adventures of my lifetime.

Last edited by KCStudly on Sat Nov 12, 2016 11:08 am, edited 1 time in total.

Hi Felixx, Happy New Year, I've been doing a bit of catching up on what everyone has been up to. Looks like you and the kids are having a great time camping. That tear drop has to be one of the greatest investments you will ever make in your life